Centre for Advanced Training
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Our Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) spans classical, folk, and contemporary styles, and delivers musical excellence for ambitious young musicians aged 10-18
The Glasshouse Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) is a high-level music training programme for young people with exceptional potential and passion for music. It is part of the Department of Education Music and Dance Scheme network.
Taking place on Sunday during term time, students receive tuition, ensemble training and classes in music theory, alongside individual guidance and development. There are exciting opportunities to compose music and work alongside inspirational visiting artists, as well as multiple performance opportunities.
The CAT is open to a wide range of musical genres and instruments including voice.
If you’re interested in joining or have any questions, you can email our team at youngmusicians@theglasshouseicm.org.
Key Information
Age: 10 – 18
Day: Sundays
Audition Required
Although applications are now closed for the 2024/25 academic year, get in touch if you know a young person interested in our programme. Occasionally, we can consider late applications.
Curriculum
Each programme area follows the below curriculum.
- 60 minute 1:1 lesson
- Music Language Core (aural/theory/musicianship skills)
- Music Language Option (a range of classes including music production, composer studies, and craft of pop)
- Small ensemble / piano class
- Performance opportunities
- Enrichment programme (including improvisation and presentation techniques)
- Advice and support from a highly experienced study leader team
- Two Activity Days which include workshops with visiting artists and exploring new genres and approaches to your instrument
Many of the students also have a 1:1 lesson in a second instrument, and are part of our Ensembles.
The CAT has lots of performance opportunities throughout the year, from relaxed lunchtime concerts in our Northern Rock Foundation Hall, to our end of year celebrations in Sage 2, and lots of chances to play on our bustling concourse.
The CAT scheduling is done alongside our Ensemble provision which includes exciting performance experiences as well as work with international artists. Students apply (and if necessary audition) for these ensembles separately.
The Centre for Advanced Training isn’t just for young people who want to be professional musicians (although many have!) Students go on to all sorts of different careers or higher education in a range of subjects.
We do all we can to make sure that your time with us is fulfilling, fun, and full of positive experiences, preparing you with skills that see you on to whatever path you choose.
Programmes
Our Centre for Advanced Training programme is available in a range of musical genres and instruments, including voice.
Having gone to Leeds College of Music and studied a Jazz degree at music conservatoire, I’ve recently completed my teacher training and I’m responsible now for planning and delivering my own exciting music curriculum to the students of Blyth. All of which wouldn’t be possible without the years of tuition and support I received with you. My weekends have not been better spent since!
Jonny Thornton – Former student
Inside Centre for Advanced Training
Meet some of our Centre for Advanced Training students and tutors to get a taste of the programme.
Information for Students
Timetables, auditions, and other useful information for current and prospective CAT students to help make the most of your learning experience.
More informationTerm Dates
Weeks A & B refer to an alternating pattern that impacts a small number students. If you have not been informed about this, your timetable will be the same each week.
Autumn Term
Sunday 15th September – A
Sunday 22nd September – B
Sunday 29th September – A, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 6th October – B, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 13th October – A, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 20th October – B
Half term
Sunday 10th November – A, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 17th November – B
Sunday 24th November – A
Sunday 1st December – B
Sunday 8th December (rehearsals)
Saturday 14th December (Winter Wonders performances)
Spring Term
Sunday 12th January – A
Sunday 19th January – B
Sunday 26th January – Activity Day
Sunday 2nd February – A
Sunday 9th February – B, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 16th February – A, Lunchtime Concert
Half term
Sunday 9th March – B
Sunday 16th March – A, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 23rd March – B
Sunday 30th March – A, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 6th April – B, Lunchtime Concert
Summer Term
Sunday 27th April – A
Sunday 4th May – B, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 11th May – A,
Sunday 18th May – B, Lunchtime Concert
Half term
Sunday 8th June – A, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 15th June – B, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 22nd June – A, Lunchtime Concert
Sunday 29th June – B
Sunday 6th July – Summer Celebration Performances (CAT, CAT Pop & Percussion)
Sunday 13th July – Summer Celebration Performances (CAT, Young Sinfonia, Jambone, Folkestra)